FM seeks greater role of OIC to counter terrorism

Foreign Minister (FM) Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali called on Thursday for intensified involvement of the OIC in countering terrorism and promoting peace and tolerance, reports UNB.

He wants the Islamic organisation to get involved with international organisations like the UN and also at the inter-governmental level to solve the world problems

The Bangladesh Foreign Minister made the call on Thursday morning while delivering his statement on behalf of the Asian Group for the second consecutive year during the inaugural session of the 42nd Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) of the OIC which took place in Bayan Palace in Kuwait on the theme "Joint Vision to Promote Tolerance and Reject Terrorism".

He expressed concerns at the lack of tolerance and surge of terrorism in various parts of the world especially within the countries of Muslim Ummah in recent times.

He hoped that this Council would be able to address some of the pressing issues facing Islamic Ummah, such as, Palestine and the Arab-Israeli conflict, situation in Yemen.

"Bangladesh has expressed its firm position in support of its unity and stability, Muslim minorities in Myanmar, who are now subject to systematic discrimination and forced to register as 'Bengalis," he said.

"There is a growing concern that such treatment may lead them to be radicalised and recruited by terrorist networks operating in the region," he added.